Use the correct forms of the verbs in brackets : (iii) When I came out of the building I saw that it . (rain)

English grammar forms the bedrock of effective communication, and accurate verb conjugation is crucial for conveying meaning precisely. This question assesses the candidate’s understanding of tense usage, specifically the ability to select the correct verb form to describe a past action occurring in the background of another past action. Correct tense selection ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity in written communication, a vital skill for civil servants who are expected to produce precise and well-structured reports and correspondence. The correct answer is: When I came out of the building I saw that it was raining . Explanation of Tense Usage The sentence describes two events in the past: The act of coming out of the building (past simple tense: 'came'). The ongoing action of rain when the speaker observed it (past continuous tense: 'was raining'). The past continuous tense ('was/were + verb-ing') is used to describe an action that was in progress at a specific time in the past. In this case, the rain was already falling when the speaker came out of the building. Using the past simple tense ('rained') would suggest the rain started *after* the speaker came out, which alters the intended meaning. Why other options are incorrect: rained: This implies the rain started and stopped at a specific point in the past, not that it was ongoing. is raining: This is present continuous tense and doesn't fit the past context. has rained: This is present perfect tense and indicates an action completed recently, which isn't the intended meaning. Illustrative Examples Here are some similar sentences demonstrating the correct use of the past continuous tense: “I was watching TV when the phone rang.” “She was cooking dinner while he was reading a book.” “They were playing football when it started to snow.” Common Errors to Avoid A common mistake is to use the past simple tense when the past continuous tense is more appropriate. Remember to use the past continuous tense when describing an action that was in progress at a specific time in the past, or when describing the background action to another event. In conclusion, the correct form of the verb 'rain' in the given sentence is 'was raining'. This demonstrates a proper understanding of the past continuous tense and its application in describing ongoing actions in the past. Accurate tense usage is fundamental to clear and effective written communication, a skill essential for success in the civil services.

What is the difference between the past simple and past continuous tenses?

The past simple tense describes a completed action in the past, while the past continuous tense describes an action that was in progress at a specific time in the past. The past continuous often provides background information to a past simple action.

Question 26 | UPSC Mains ENGLISH-COMPULSORY 2017

Model Answer

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Introduction

English grammar forms the bedrock of effective communication, and accurate verb conjugation is crucial for conveying meaning precisely. This question assesses the candidate’s understanding of tense usage, specifically the ability to select the correct verb form to describe a past action occurring in the background of another past action. Correct tense selection ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity in written communication, a vital skill for civil servants who are expected to produce precise and well-structured reports and correspondence.

The correct answer is: When I came out of the building I saw that it was raining.

Explanation of Tense Usage

The sentence describes two events in the past:

The act of coming out of the building (past simple tense: 'came').
The ongoing action of rain when the speaker observed it (past continuous tense: 'was raining').

The past continuous tense ('was/were + verb-ing') is used to describe an action that was in progress at a specific time in the past. In this case, the rain was already falling when the speaker came out of the building. Using the past simple tense ('rained') would suggest the rain started *after* the speaker came out, which alters the intended meaning.

Why other options are incorrect:

rained: This implies the rain started and stopped at a specific point in the past, not that it was ongoing.
is raining: This is present continuous tense and doesn't fit the past context.
has rained: This is present perfect tense and indicates an action completed recently, which isn't the intended meaning.

Illustrative Examples

Here are some similar sentences demonstrating the correct use of the past continuous tense:

“I was watching TV when the phone rang.”
“She was cooking dinner while he was reading a book.”
“They were playing football when it started to snow.”

Common Errors to Avoid

A common mistake is to use the past simple tense when the past continuous tense is more appropriate. Remember to use the past continuous tense when describing an action that was in progress at a specific time in the past, or when describing the background action to another event.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the correct form of the verb 'rain' in the given sentence is 'was raining'. This demonstrates a proper understanding of the past continuous tense and its application in describing ongoing actions in the past. Accurate tense usage is fundamental to clear and effective written communication, a skill essential for success in the civil services.

Answer Length

This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.

Use the correct forms of the verbs in brackets : (iii) When I came out of the building I saw that it . (rain)

Model Answer

Introduction

Explanation of Tense Usage

Why other options are incorrect:

Illustrative Examples

Common Errors to Avoid

Conclusion

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